Tigers Face Big Decision on Tarik Skubal for Season Finale Against Red Sox
DETROIT — As the regular season reaches its final day, the Detroit Tigers find themselves with a question that could shape both the game against the Boston Red Sox and their outlook for next year: will ace left-hander Tarik Skubal take the ball on Sunday?
Manager A.J. Hinch has not committed to starting his star pitcher in the finale, leaving fans and analysts guessing about the club’s strategy. The decision isn’t simply about one more outing—it’s about balancing Skubal’s workload, his health, and the team’s long-term plans.
“We’ll make the call based on how he feels and what’s best for the organization,” Hinch said before Saturday’s game. “He’s had an outstanding season, and we want to finish it the right way.”
Skubal has been nothing short of dominant in 2025. Entering the final weekend, he owns a sub-3.00 ERA, a strikeout rate among the league’s best, and the kind of poise that has made him the Tigers’ unquestioned ace. His dazzling fastball-changeup combination has stifled hitters from April through September, turning him into one of the American League’s most valuable pitchers.
The Tigers have been careful with his innings all year. After injuries limited him in past seasons, the team mapped out a plan to keep him fresh, occasionally giving him extra rest or skipping a start. With Detroit out of playoff contention but eager to build momentum for 2026, the choice to pitch him one more time carries both risk and reward.
Skubal, for his part, says he’s ready. “I feel great,” he said Friday. “I always want the ball. That never changes. But I trust the staff to do what’s best.”
Starting Skubal would give fans one more chance to watch their ace finish a stellar campaign at Comerica Park. It would also provide an opportunity for him to cement his place in the American League Cy Young conversation. Another strong outing could put an exclamation point on a breakout year.
Yet the Tigers know that a setback in a meaningless game would be difficult to justify. Protecting the health of their 28-year-old lefty is critical for a club looking to contend as soon as next season.
“There’s no wrong answer, really,” said general manager Scott Harris. “Tarik has proven everything he needs to this year. We’re proud of his growth and his leadership. The most important thing is having him strong for 2026 and beyond.”
The Red Sox, still jockeying for postseason positioning, would certainly prefer not to face Skubal’s power left arm in a game they need to win. His presence could tilt the matchup and give Detroit a chance to play spoiler, something the Tigers’ young roster would relish.
Fans are left to wait, refreshing social feeds and scanning pregame notes for any hint of Hinch’s decision. Whether Skubal starts or rests, his 2025 season stands as a milestone for both player and franchise: a year when Detroit’s ace showed he can anchor a rotation built for the future.
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